Take Prescriptions Exactly as Prescribed
Typically pain medications are intended to be a short-term solution. Extended use can increase the risk of developing abuse behaviors and addiction. Always take medications as prescribed and always consult your healthcare provider on the use of these medicines. Discuss with your doctor the risks of addiction with medications that are prescribed to you.
Always Keep Medications in a Safe and Controlled Location
This means away from where your children can get them. The recent Monitoring the Youth survey by the National Institute of Drug Abuse has shown a growing trend in adolescents using pain medications in a recreational manner. The commonplace for obtaining such drugs is their own medicine cabinets. This can be prevented by keeping such medications in a safe and controlled location. This type of drug abuse at a young age greatly increases the risk of developing an addiction.
Never Share Pain Medications
Do not share your medications with others under any circumstances. This can be contributing to their dependency. Never sell your pain meds to others. Not only is this illegal, but it can also contribute to misuse and overdose deaths.
Safely Dispose of Medications no Longer in Use
Most communities have developed programs for the safe disposal of medications. Dispose of them as soon as you and your doctor have decided you no longer need them. This decreases the risk of misuse, abuse, and theft.